What is OpenPhone?
OpenPhone is a cloud-based phone service designed specifically for startups and remote workers. Instead of a traditional phone line, it uses VoIP (Voice over IP) technology to make calls over the internet, providing a flexible communication solution as an alternative to traditional business phones.
Key Features of OpenPhone
1. Provision of Virtual Phone Numbers
OpenPhone allows you to obtain virtual phone numbers in the United States and Canada. This enables you to have a business phone number without needing a physical phone line.
2. Call and Message Handling via App
OpenPhone offers smartphone and desktop apps, enabling you to make calls and send text messages from anywhere. It offers a user experience similar to WhatsApp or Google Voice.
3. Team Collaboration
Multiple users can share the same phone number, making it ideal for customer support or sales teams. Received messages and call history are accessible to the team, improving operational transparency.
4. CRM Integration
OpenPhone integrates with CRM tools such as HubSpot and Salesforce, streamlining customer management. Phone interactions are automatically logged, facilitating smoother sales processes.
5. Voicemail and Auto-Responder
It offers features such as voicemail transcription to text and the ability to set up an auto-responder for outside business hours.
6. Affordable and Transparent Pricing
OpenPhone is significantly more affordable than traditional business phones. Its monthly subscription model with minimal additional pay-as-you-go charges provides clear cost predictability.
OpenPhone Use Cases
- Startups and Small Businesses: Ideal for newly established companies due to the ease of obtaining a business phone number.
- Remote Work Teams: Provides seamless remote work by enabling access from anywhere.
- Customer Support and Sales Teams: Enables rapid response through shared numbers.
- International Business: Secure communication with international clients by obtaining US and Canadian numbers.
How to Use OpenPhone
- Create an Account: Sign up on the OpenPhone website.
- Obtain a Phone Number: Select your desired area code.
- Install the App: Install the app on your smartphone or desktop.
- Customize Settings: Configure call forwarding, voicemail, and team invitations.
- Start Calling and Messaging: Make calls and send messages as you would with a regular phone.
Using US-Only Services
Many groundbreaking online services are launched in the US first.
For example, video streaming services and sharing economy platforms often debut in the US before expanding globally. However, using these services may require SMS verification with a US phone number.
SMS verification involves verifying your identity by entering a code sent to your mobile phone. This usually requires a US phone number, often excluding Japanese numbers.
This can restrict access for users outside the US. However, OpenPhone allows you to obtain a US phone number while in Japan, overcoming this limitation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of OpenPhone
Advantages
- ✔️ Easy setup without needing a physical phone line
- ✔️ Accessible via mobile and desktop apps
- ✔️ Improved efficiency through CRM integration
- ✔️ Shared number capability for multiple users
- ✔️ Cost-effective and offers good value
Disadvantages
- ❌ Unavailable in some countries
- ❌ Relies on internet connectivity, potentially affecting call quality
❌ Not suitable for businesses requiring physical office phones
Summary
OpenPhone is a flexible and cost-effective business phone solution, especially beneficial for small businesses and remote teams. Its robust CRM integration and team collaboration features make it a valuable alternative to traditional business phone systems.